Malaysia was able to hold off a strong Philippines side to a goalless draw, although they could’ve got the win themselves with their only threatening attack.
Philippines though made a strong start immediately after kick-off and they could’ve gotten a penalty when Ronny Harun fouled captain Phil Younghusband in the box, but the referee waved it off.
And the home side continued to pressure the Malaysian defense and they thought they were in the lead when Younghusband shoots past Mohd Khairulazhan only to be flagged offside on the 7th minute.
Ten minutes later, Iain Ramsay’s cross found Javier Patino unmarked, but the Malaysian defense recovered and put off Patino with his shot straight to Khairulazhan.
Khiarulazhan was then called into action when Younghusband once again with a great chance. The captain found himself surrounded, but found space to turn and shoot. But the Selangor stopper equaled it by just parrying out.
It took Malaysia 27 minutes for their first real attack when Amri Yahya’s pass from the left found Safee Sali’s run, but Kevin Ingreso prevented the PKNS’ striker to shoot and forced him to concede a goal-kick to The Azkals.
The last notable chance of the first half came eight minutes later. Aguinaldo thought his header was going into the far post from Ramsay’s corner only to find it went just wide.
Immediately after the second half, Philippines continued where they left off as they delivered two dangerous crosses into Malaysia’s box, but the defense did well to clear the danger.
Then it was Malaysia’s turn to call for a penalty four minutes later when Amri wants a penalty when he was fouled by Ingreso and again, the referee ignored the penalty call.
It took another 23 minutes for the game to see another chance and it belonged to The Azkals. Substitute Hikaru Minegishi from the left found some space to shoot, but Khairulazhan was in the right position near post to catch the ball.
Then, Malaysia could’ve stolen the win from Philippines noses with their only threatening chance in the whole game. Substitute S. Veenod found a pass on the right. With only the keeper to beat, the winger somehow shoots off-target.
Minegishi once again from the left had another chance deep into injury time but like Veenod, he shoots off-target as an uneventful second half closes out the match.
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